President's Pen, Spring 2026
When I think about my journey with TAA, it is hard to believe it began nearly a decade ago at a dinner meeting,
simply by showing up, listening, and saying yes when encouraged to get involved. What started as curiosity quickly became one of the most formative experiences of my personal and professional life. Today, I am deeply honored to serve as your president in 2026.
TAA has been a place of growth for me in every sense. Through volunteer leadership, I learned how to collaborate across perspectives, influence without authority, and hold myself accountable to peers rather than a formal hierarchy. Anyone who has served on a committee knows that it can sometimes feel like a group project. People join and leave, priorities shift, and there is no clear rubric. Yet those moments are where real leadership is built.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to wear many different hats within the association, and each role sharpened skills I carried directly into my professional life. Co-chairing committees strengthened my ability to listen, align diverse viewpoints, and execute a shared vision. Serving as treasurer deepened my understanding of budgets and financial stewardship. Participating in strategic planning clarified how organizations prioritize needs and turn commitments into action. These were not abstract lessons. They were practical, meaningful experiences rooted in service.
Just as important as the skills gained were the people. I did not arrive at this moment alone. Mentors, colleagues, staff, family, and fellow members all played a role in shaping my path. TAA’s strength has always come from its engaged membership and dedicated volunteers, supported by a staff that provides continuity and wisdom year after year. This shared leadership model is what makes our association both effective and enduring.
As president, my priority this year is to be a thoughtful and responsive voice for our members. Many of you took the time to participate in our recent membership survey, and your insights matter. In 2026, our focus will be on turning that feedback into action. We will incorporate it into our strategic plan, delegate it to committees, and measure our progress along the way. Listening is only meaningful if it leads to results.
Another key responsibility of this role is preparing the next generation of leaders. Leadership at TAA is not a single moment. It is a continuum. I have the privilege of supporting first-time directors, energized committee co-chairs, and members who are stepping into service for the first time. Whether you are brand new to the industry or a seasoned professional, there is a place for your voice and your perspective here.
If you have ever considered getting involved, I encourage you to make this the year you do. There is no required level of experience, only curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to show up. The rewards of service are real. Meaningful relationships, professional growth, increased confidence, and the satisfaction of contributing to something larger than yourself.
Serving TAA has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. As we move through this year together, I look forward to working alongside you, listening, learning, and leading in partnership to strengthen our association and advance our industry. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for all the ways you contribute to making TAA what it is today.
Heather Crowley
TAA 2026 President
taapresident@triangleaptassn.org